Sent Back the Pro-ject Turntable: What would be the best option in the $1800 range?

Consider the Well Tempered Simplex MKII. Plays way above its price point.

+2 on the George Merrill PolyTable with the Jelco 850 arm.

I had a Project Xpression ll for a few years and found it fine, had a Grado Reference cart.
Recently bought a new Clearaudio with thier top MM cart. It is magniicent. Not sure of US prices but I paid NZ$2775 for table and NZ$1400 for the cart. I think that converts to about US$2000 and $1000.
But I am extremely happy with sound. Next upgrade will be speakers.

Have you look into Rega P6  I had Rega P3 myself  then I upgraded to Clearaudio Performance DC its a little out of your budget but the Clearaudio Concept is in  MusicDirect has a open box one with MM cartridge